“The FSAI welcomes these conclusive results, which are in line with the results found by the FSAI during its survey into some beef burger products on sale in retail shops in Ireland.

“The FSAI has notified the Polish authorities and the matter is now with them.” ABP Food Group, which owns supplier Silvercrest, welcomed the news and added that it confirmed its initial view that contamination originated from a third party continental supply.

This has been a very difficult experience for all involved and has led to a significant interruption in business for Silvercrest and its customers,” ABF Food Group CEO Paul Finnerty commented.

“We are relieved that the source of the problem has been identified.

“While the company has never knowingly purchased or traded in equine product, I wish to take this opportunity to apologise for the impact this issue has caused.”

The FSAI concluded in its latest statement: “The FSAI states that full compliance with food law is required across the entire supply chain at all times and that food business operators must remain vigilant in ensuring the authenticity of ingredients used.

“The FSAI will continue its routine monitoring and surveillance programmes to monitor foods on the Irish market to ensure that they are complying with the requirements of food law and that they are safe.”